On Tuesday, taxi drivers in Perth, Australia, took to the streets in protest against the on-demand ride share service, Uber.
According to Perth Now, hundreds of drivers will convoy from Perth Domestic Airport to Parliament House from 2 p.m. local time. The demonstration, organised by the Transport Workers' Union (TWU), is intended to draw attention to the West Australian government's inaction against the company.
Dean Nalder, the state's Minister for Transport, has expressed tacit support for on-demand transport services, but the legality of Uber in Perth, as in other parts of Australia, is still being debated. As of March, 13 infringements and 34 cautions had been issued against Perth Uber drivers, Perth Now reported.
TWU organiser Steve Perkusich told Fairfax Media that Uber was creating an "uneven playing field." He said while cabbies had to pay for insurance and lease registration plates, Uber drivers were being let off the hook.
"They have heard from the government that things are being done and sat back for a while, but there seems to be a lot of rhetoric going on and no action," he said.
Oliver Peterson of Nine News wrote on Twitter that taxi drivers had found their turnover halved in the last six months.
Taxi Drivers gathering to protest against @Uber_Perth saying their turnover has halved in last 6 months @9NewsPerth pic.twitter.com/5UIzlhxncI— Oliver Peterson (@oliverpeterson) April 21, 2015
In a statement emailed to Mashable Australia, Uber said: "Since our entry to the Australian market in 2012 (and 2014 in Perth), Uber has set a new standard in customer service excellence, providing reliable and safe rides, building accountability into the transportation process, and creating significant economic opportunity for thousands of Australians.
"We urge our counterparts in the taxi industry to rise to the occasion, instead of attempting to stifle healthy competition and consumer choice."
In a cheeky acknowledgement of the protest, Uber Perth also announced they would offer a free ride to anyone who took their first trip with Uber from Tuesday, 21st April until midnight Thursday, 23rd April.
Can't get a ride? We've got your back. First rides before midnight Thursday will be free. Find more info at http://t.co/vybwMeiFKz— Uber Perth (@Uber_Perth) April 21, 2015
The chief executive of the Taxi Industry Forum of Western Australia, Howard Lance, told Perth Now that Perth cabbies should avoid the protests, saying it will do more harm than good.
If Twitter is anything to go by, it might be good advice. Ever since the protest was announced, Perth residents have been loudly voicing their support for Uber on social media.
It certainly seems like Uber can count on these Perth residents to take their side:
#Perth taxis instead of protesting look at ways to make your product/service better @Uber_Perth #perthtraffic #perthnews— Adam Barrell (@adam_barrell) April 21, 2015
Maybe the WA Taxi industry should look inwards to see what damage they do to themselves. Dont blame Uber #Perth— Matthew Richards (@richo3000) April 21, 2015
WA Taxi drivers protesting over @Uber_Perth is like horse & cart drivers protesting over automobiles in the late 1800’s. #Innovation #Perth— Simon te Brinke (@gramercypark) April 21, 2015
So Taxi's in Perth are having a protest on Uber. Well, how about you pick up your game Taxis. Welcome to the real world of competition— Lucas (@icantbeluke) April 21, 2015
So Perth Taxi drivers are protesting today? Fine by me, I only use @Uber_Perth anyway! #Perth http://t.co/QLExmaIxu0— Kitta (@Kitta) April 21, 2015
I might have more sympathy for taxi drivers protesting against Uber in #Perth if they didn't sting you for up to $10 as soon as you get in.— Neil Sherwin (@neilsherwin) April 21, 2015
Don't understand the taxi protest today - doesn't that only promote people to use @Uber_Perth today & from now on! #greatservice #cheaprates— Greg Hire (@greg4hire) April 21, 2015